2018 Madison County Candidates

All candidate profiles were paid for by the candidates
and their campaigns.

Election Day:

November 6, 2018

To view a full list of 2018 Madison County Candidates, click HERE

Richmond City Commissioners

Mike Brewer (NP)
Hello My Friends and Fellow Citizens,
Experience matters. During my previous terms of office, the City of Richmond made monumental strides to be where we are today. We added industries, recruited business, improved recreation, improved infrastructure, and offered an environment conductive for development. It was a team effort. The entire staff of the City worked hand in hand. I want to bring that spirit back. working together, we can make Richmond even better for everybody. I'll always be there for you to represent all of your concerns. My sincere promise is to be a responsive Commissioner who will look out for the needs of all.

Chris Childers (NP)
As a lifelong resident and small business operator I’m proud to call Richmond my home. My vision for our home embodies a holistic approach, beginning with strong economic development that allows our city to not only attract visitors and new business, but one that encourages the best and brightest young people to invest their futures right here at home. That means collaboration with local thought leaders on key topics like technology, healthcare and sound education. Marrying these together, we can create and implement a comprehensive plan that creates solutions for today and clear path for tomorrow.

Jacob Grant (NP)
I am a lifelong resident of Madison County, graduated from Madison Central and received a degree in Business Management from the University of the Cumberlands. I grew up with my parents investing in this wonderful community. My father, a pastor at a local church for 27 years and my mother, a retired middle school teacher. I decided it was time for myself to step up to the plate and make a difference in a community that I know and love. I believe with servant leadership, a forward-thinking approach and a growth mindset this city can make strides to give a better quality of life to its citizens.

Ed McDaniel (NP)
I’m Ed McDaniel, I am a business owner, and a U.S. Army veteran with an overseas deployment to Bosnia during Operation Joint Forge. I’m a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and current member of the American Legion, Ruritan Club, and a board member with the Lions Club of Richmond. I founded NCS, USA in 2010, and have managed all aspects of business growth and development since opening as well as drafted guidelines for national carriers in Risk Management training. I am married to Tara McDaniel who teaches Spanish at MCHS, and together we have 5 daughters. I believe with my leadership background that we can continue to move Richmond in the right direction, and promote a better community, and a better business environment by addressing a number of issues to include parking, economic growth, and zoning. I look forward to being a faithful and active servant for the entire community of Richmond.

Jason Morgan (NP)
I am asking for your support to be reelected as Richmond City Commissioner. Having been your commissioner, I have a record that I am proud to run on. I have the correct temperament and skills to lead our community. Couple my leadership with my background in both the public and private sector, I am uniquely qualified to lead Richmond and provide solutions to our challenges. With a unified approach of engaging one another; we will build Richmond into the community of our dreams. We will implement strategies improving our quality of life and make significant investments in economic development.

Michael F. Bryant (NP)
David Johnson (NP)
Tyler Johnson (NP)

Circuit Court Clerk

David M. Fernandez (R)
David Fernandez is running for Circuit Court Clerk. "As an attorney and resident of Madison County for more than 30 years, I have helped thousands of residents of Madison County with their real estate transactions", said Fernandez. "I have also practiced before the Madison District, Circuit and Family Courts".

"While most people will not interact with the clerk's office on a regular basis, it is important that when they do, their interaction is as stress-free and easy as possible. My experience working within the legal system and knowledge of Kentucky Law will be invaluable in the operation of this office".

My accounting degree, law degree and the fact I have practiced my entire career in Madison County make me the best candidate for this position. Additionally, I have served as: President of the Madison County Bar Association: Richmond Exchange Club; on the Board of Directors for Hospice Care Plus and the EKU Performing Arts Center.

Allee Combs Whicker (D)
A lifelong resident of Madison County, Allee is committed to serving Madison County. Her career began 15 years ago as a deputy clerk and was appointed Madison County Circuit Clerk on November 1, 2017. Having completed and passed the certified Circuit Court Clerk’s examination twice, her knowledge on policies and procedures makes her an excellent candidate to continue serving as Circuit Court Clerk. A member of the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk’s Association, Allee serves on the Education, Driver Licensing, and Trust for Life Committees. She is a board member for the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk’s Trust for Life, a representative on Madison County Trust for Life Task Force, member of Police Wives of Madison County and Graduate of Emerge Kentucky class of 2018. Allee attends Kirksville Baptist Church and works in the children’s ministries. She resides in Richmond with her husband Chris and their two children Spencer (4), Kixson (2).

Madison County PVA

Billy Ackerman (D)
My name is Billy Ackerman and I have been your Madison County PVA since 2009. I am running for reelection in 2018 and I ask for your vote on November 6, 2018.

I am a graduate of Madison Central High School and EKU. I am also a Certified Kentucky Assessor and Senior Kentucky Assessor. I have the education and experience necessary to serve as PVA, but what truly qualifies me to serve is that I am here for you. It has been my experience that when we work together, we find fair and equitable solutions.

www.facebook.com/BillyAckermanPVA | Cell: (859) 893-5496 | Twitter: @ackermanpva Billy@VoteBillyAckermanPVA.com

Gary Curry (R)
I am husband, a father, a Realtor, and native of Madison County. I am a graduate of Madison Central and EKU. The time has come for me to stand up and more actively serve our community. My skills and experience have lead me to pursue the office of Property Valuation Administrator. My work allows me to experience the best and worst of PVA offices throughout Central Kentucky. My objective is to ensure that the Madison County office effectively and efficiently performs its duties. It is imperative we operate with honesty, integrity, and transparency. I am excited to offer fresh insight.

County Attorney

Jennie Haymond (R)
An EKU alum, Jennie Haymond began her legal career clerking for the 25th Judicial District while attending law school at the University of Louisville. Jennie is the only one in this race with prosecutorial experience including 10+ years prosecuting theft, drug, DUI, juvenile, assault and other violent conduct cases and extensive trial experience.

Concerned with crime victims’ rights and leadership for our youth, Jennie supports criminal justice reform that makes Madison County not just tough on crime, but also smart on crime. Her community involvement is an extension of her passion for the law as she enjoys mentoring to our youth and helping others.

Robert Jennings (D)

Sheriff

Mike Coyle (D)
I am Mike Coyle and I am privileged and honored to serve as your Sheriff of Madison County.
I am a lifelong resident of Madison County, graduating from Berea High School and EKU with a BS degree in Police Administration. I have been married to my wife, Linda, for 46 years. We have three children and four grandchildren.

I’ve spent almost 4 decades in law enforcement with Richmond Police Department, Berea Police Department and retiring from the Kentucky State Police. I served as Chief Deputy for Sheriff Jerry Combs starting 2011 and was appointed Sheriff after his death in May of 2013. I was elected Sheriff of Madison County in November of 2014 and named “Kentucky Sheriff of the Year” in 2017.

I am asking for your vote in the November 6, 2018 election. Keep Mike Coyle Sheriff of Madison County!

Richard "Rick" Johnson (R)

Jailer

Steve Tussey (R)
Hello friends. My name is Steve Tussey and I am a candidate for jailer in the November election. My more than 30 years in corrections and thousands of hours of correctional training make me uniquely qualified for this position.

During this campaign much has been said about the need for drug treatment in the county. We all know that Madison County has a significant drug problem.

The control of contraband is one of the most critical security functions in any correctional facility. If elected jailer I will immediately implement measures to reduce the introduction of drugs into the facility. New entrance procedures, use of K-9’s specifically trained in drug detection and staff training on proper search methods will be one of my highest priorities.

While stopping the flow of drugs into the facility is critical, equally important are treatment programs designed to address the demand for drugs by offenders.

To learn more about my proposals for jail operations and to donate to support my campaign visit www.Tusseyforjailer.com
I’m asking for your vote on November 6 for Madison County Jailer!!!

Doug Thomas (D)

Judge of the Court of Appeals 5th District

1st DIV - Pamela R. Goodwine (NP)
Serving as a judge for over 19 years, Judge Pamela Goodwine has presided over more than 4,000 civil and criminal cases each. Maintaining a reputation for being tough but fair as well as her responsibility and dedication to the judiciary earned her the honor of Trial Judge of the Year by Kentucky Justice Association and Chief Judge in Fayette County. Judge Goodwine’s faith, work ethic and values were instilled by her parents from a young age and continue to be the driving influences in her life today. Her strong ethics and conscience guide her life and decisions personally and professionally.

1st DIV - Rob Johnson (NP)
I have been a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals since March 2017. Previously, I was the Circuit Judge for Bourbon, Scott and Woodford counties for 12 years. My wife is Rebecca and we have five children: Ben, Sam, Caleb, Hannah and Beth. I graduated from Georgetown College and from the University of Kentucky College of Law. I live in Georgetown, but have roots in Madison County, where my great-grandparents, Cleveland Wells and Nell Lanter Wells, lived. My judicial philosophy is that judges should strictly interpret the law and not make the law based upon the result they desire.

State Representative 71st District

R. Travis Brenda (R)
R. Travis Brenda is a Republican candidate for the Kentucky House of Representatives District 71, covering Garrard, Rockcastle, and western Madison Counties. He is currently in his 20th year of teaching at Rockcastle County High School, and has served as a teacher member of the SBDM Council for over 15 years. Travis is married to Judy A. Brenda, and they have 2 children, Ashley and Benjamin. They reside in Garrard County and have attended Church on the Rock in Berea for over 21 years, where Travis has served on the Financial Board for the last 4 years.

Mary J. Renfro (D)

State Representative 81st District

Deanna L. Frazier (R)
I am a third generation resident of Madison County who built a successful audiology business from the ground up. As an adjunct faculty member at EKU and treasurer of Unity Baptist Church, I have been deeply involved in my community and the business sector for a number of years.

Kentucky needs someone an outsider who can run government like a business and use common sense solutions to balance the budget. I believe we need to get government out of the way so businesses can create jobs with an environment that keeps taxes low and burdensome regulations away.

Morgan H. Eaves (D)

State Representative 89th District

Kelly Smith (D)
A mom, librarian, and community organizer, Kelly Smith wants to bring common-sense to Frankfort. She will fight to stop the practice of cutting public services that benefit us all while giving tax handouts to the wealthy and connected. Specifically, she wants to:

Stabilize and preserve the state pension system by finding funding rather than by cutting services and benefits
Protect healthcare and Medicaid funding
Restore funding for K-12 and universities
Ensure that private charter schools don’t divert money from public schools
Ensure that all Kentuckians have equal access to services such as broadband and transportation
Build a 21st Century economy

Robert Goforth (R)

State Representative 34th District

Jared K. Carpenter (R)
Susan Byrne Haddix (D)

State Representative 73rd District

Les Yates (R)
Pat Banks (D)

State Representative 91st District

Gary "Toby" Herald (R)
Cluster Howard (D)

Mayor, City of Richmond

Jim Newby (NP)
Robert R. Blythe (NP

County Clerk

Kenny Barger (R)

Surveyor

County Judge Executive

Reagan Taylor (R)

Coroner

Stuart W. Spencer (R)

Jimmy Cornelison (D)

Madison County Magistrates & Constables

Magistrate 1st District

Robert "Bob" New (R)
Larry L. Combs (D)

Constable 1st District

Dustin D. Sweet (R)
Arliss Huff (D)

Magistrate 2nd District

Roger D. Barger (R)
Scott Johnson (D)
Joshua Cheeks (I)

Constable 2nd District

Steven J. Kelly (R)
Willard Reardon (D)

Magistrate 3rd District

Billy Ray Hughes (R)
John C. Tudor (D)

Constable 3rd District

Bruce A. Thomas

Magistrate 4th District

Tom Botkin (R)
Debbie Vescio (D)

Constable 4th District

Paul Powell (R)
Josh A. Thomas (D)

Circuit Judge 25th District

1st DIV - Brandy Oliver Brown (NP)

US Representative 6th District

Andy Barr (R)
Amy McGrath (D)
Frank Harris (L)

District Judge 25th District
1st Division

Charles W. "Chuck" Hardin (NP)

District Judge 25th District
2nd Division

Cole Adams Mainer (NP)

District Judge 25th District
3rd Division

Earl-Ray Neal (NP)

Commonwealth Attorney

David W. Smith (NP)

Election Day:November 6, 2018To view a full list of 2018 Madison County Candidates, click HERE